Euflexxa (sodium hyaluronate) is a viscosupplement. It's a gel-like lubricant that's injected into the knee joint to ease pain from osteoarthritis (OA) in adults. It's typically prescribed for people who continue to have pain despite having tried certain treatments, such as exercise and physical therapy. Euflexxa (sodium hyaluronate) is injected by a healthcare professional once a week for 3 weeks. Some common side effects of this medication include joint pain, muscle pain, and back pain.
Pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
Euflexxa (sodium hyaluronate) is a viscosupplement. It's similar to hyaluronic acid, a substance that's naturally found in the connective tissues in your body. When Euflexxa (sodium hyaluronate) is injected into the knee, it helps lubricate the knee joint so that you can move it smoothly. This can ease pain from osteoarthritis in the knee.
Source:Â Prescribing information
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pain relief might last longer than corticosteroids
Good option for people who've tried other treatments that didn't work well
Only need three injections
Well-tolerated, with not many side effects
Might need to wait a few weeks to experience maximum pain relief
Not a first-choice treatment for OA
Must be given by a healthcare professional
Can cause temporary pain and swelling where it's injected
Mark your appointments to get your Euflexxa (sodium hyaluronate) injections on your calendar so you don't miss any doses.
Your prescriber might have you avoid physical activity after receiving Euflexxa (sodium hyaluronate). In general, take things easy for the first 48 hours right after your injection. You should avoid strenuous activities such as running, jumping, swimming, biking or standing on your feet for more than 1 hour at a time. Ask your prescriber when you can continue these physical activities again.
You can expect to experience temporary pain and swelling in the knee where Euflexxa (sodium hyaluronate) was injected. This is typically mild and should go away after 1 to 3 days. But if it doesn't, contact your prescriber.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your prescriber about the risks and benefits of receiving Euflexxa (sodium hyaluronate). There isn't enough information to know if it's safe for you or your baby.
Each Euflexxa injection contains 20 mg of sodium hyaluronate.
Adults: The typical dose is one injection given into the knee joint by a healthcare professional (HCP) once a week for 3 weeks.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Current infection or skin problems in area of injection
Known allergy to hyaluronate products
Pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (arthritis of the spine)
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (arthritis in children)
Tendonitis and bursitis
Pain
Allergies or allergic reactions
Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
Conditions related to blood cells
Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia)
Nervous system conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
Eye conditions
Kidney conditions
Lung conditions
Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Altman, R. D., et al. (2009). A double-blind, randomized, saline-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of EUFLEXXA for treatment of painful osteoarthritis of the knee, with an open-label safety extension (the FLEXX trial). Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism.
Altman, R. D. (2000). Intra-articular sodium hyaluronate in osteoarthritis of the knee. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism.
American College of Rheumatology. (n.d.). Osteoarthritis guideline.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2016). Product information: Euflexxa® (1% sodium hyaluronate).
Foran, J. R. H. (2021). Viscosupplementation treatment for knee arthritis. OrthoInfo.Â
McArthur, B. A., et al. (2012). Long term safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability of hyaluronic acid injection in patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee. Patient Preference and Adherence.
Peck, J., et al. (2021). A comprehensive review of viscosupplementation in osteoarthritis of the knee. Orthopedic Reviews.
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.